Hi everyone! It’s time for another “Simple Ways” post! Life is already hard as it is, so why make things more difficult? Today’s topic: Technology.

Technology addiction: It’s real. In fact, Asian nations, particularly China, extensively research Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). According to the China Youth Internet Association, about 14 percent of urban youth there have the characteristics of Internet addicts (Mosher, 2011). I first decided to look into this condition after realizing that I couldn’t look in any direction without seeing someone glued to his or her phone. And I’m completely guilty, as well. It’s pretty ironic that I’m writing behind a computer screen, completely withdrawn from the world.

It’s been a long day. You’re finally ready to relax and let all your worries slowly melt away. You pour yourself a hot cup of tea, slip into some sweatpants, and open a brand new novel. You’re not even halfway through the first chapter when it happens; as a bookworm, it’s one of the greatest feelings: finding a quote that just ignites something in you. Perhaps it’s something you’ve been trying to say, but could never find the right words. Maybe it’s the kind of quote that makes you want to find the nearest highlighter, or even take a photo and frame it on your wall. There’s a distinctive beauty in words and how they can evoke certain emotions.

Books are simply magical. Think of it this way: Reading a book is like traveling. When you travel, you acquire new and inspiring perspectives. Just as if you’re visiting a different country, you’re delving into a new world when you read. You’re guaranteed to learn and carry those lessons with you for the rest of your life.

So, I’ve decided to share some quotes that have really encouraged me. I hope they inspire you, as well.

We face an abundance of environmental problems. However, many people have acknowledged them with forms of denial: “Global warming isn’t real! The weather changes all the time!” Even Rupert Murdoch, the man who bought National Geographic, has expressed his skepticism towards climate change. This is pretty scary, considering National Geographic has been a resilient voice for these issues throughout the years. This could impact the future of the content of National Geographic because Murdoch will have more authority over science grants in the United States. As critical thinkers and consumers of news and media, bias is a very important thing to be aware of. This is because information can be misleading and facts can be left out. You need to get both sides of a story or topic to fully understand it and form your own opinion. What is happening in the world? What steps are others taking, and how can we help?